Calf registrations decline in the first six months of 2022

Wednesday, 7 September 2022

Total GB calf registrations for the first half of 2022 reached 1.56 million head, according to data from the British Cattle Movement Service. This was 0.8% (12,600 head) lower when compared to the same period in 2021.

Registrations of beef-bred animals (suckler-bred and dairy X beef calves) were up 1% at 1.2 million in total. However, a 17% (19,100 head) fall in the number of dairy males registered meant that the overall number of calves destined for the beef supply chain (pure dairy males plus beef-bred animals, accounting for replacements) fell by 1% year-on-year. The continued reduction in dairy male registrations reflects the increasing use of sexed dairy and beef semen among dairy producers. Registrations of dairy females also fell 1% year-on-year.

Looking at beef breeds, there was a general continuation of the trend of increased native and fewer continental registrations. For example, registrations of Aberdeen Angus X rose 7% year-on-year to 253,000, with British Blue registrations increasing by 3%, and Beef Shorthorn X up 9%. Meanwhile, continental breeds like Limousin X, Charolais X and Simmental X continued to post declines.


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